17 Hunter Valley Caravan Parks and Luxe Glamp Sites

Save on accommodation and pour more pennies into wine with a Hunter Valley caravan park stay.

Dreaming of blazing sunsets spent gazing over the vines? A Hunter Valley caravan park, camping ground or glamping experience offers the most affordable accommodation in town. With many providing super convenient locales, a string of activities, surprisingly luxe amenities and private sanctuaries immersed in natural wonders, you’ll more than appreciate the dollars saved when your wine-hopping itinerary swings into gear.

Hunter Valley caravan parks

1. Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 10 to 15-minute drive.

Caravanners and budget-conscious families will be familiar with Ingenia’s wide-reaching stable of Aussie caravan parks and its Hunter Valley outpost is filled with everything you’d expect from the reliable chain. The Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley caravan park, one of the best options in the region, offers powered camping sites in addition to simple but sufficiently stacked one, two and three-bedroom cabins.

a powered astro turf site at Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley has powered astroturf sites for campervans. (Image: Showcache)

A restaurant, large swimming pool, giant jumping cushion and playground for kids, camp kitchen and cafe are also found onsite. Pets are welcome if you’re caravanning, camper vanning or tenting, but they’re mostly banned from cabin life all bar the entry-level one-bedroom stays.

an outdoor pool at Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

Enjoy a morning dip in the pool. (Image: Showcache)

Address: 137 Mount View Road, Cessnock

2. Wine Country Tourist Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 10-minute drive.

The best Hunter Valley caravan park in terms of proximity to wine time, Wine Country Tourist Park welcomes tents, caravans, motorhomes and campers to its tidy grounds. It also houses a range of cabins.

the cabin interior at Wine Country Tourist Park

Settle into one of the modern cabins at Wine Country Tourist Park.

All sites are powered, including tent sites, and all cabins feature private bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Amenities include a swimming pool, camp kitchen, barbecue facilities, laundry and bike hire, and pets are welcome at the discretion of staff.

Address: Wine Country Drive and O’Connors Road, Nulkaba

3. Country Acres Caravan Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 30-minute drive.

A large unpowered grassy area provides a very basic spot to rest your head a little way out of central wine country. Climb the accommodation ladder at Country Acres Caravan Park and you’ll also find powered concrete slabs for motorhomes and caravans plus one and two-bedroom cabins with or without private bathrooms. This Hunter Valley caravan park is a far cry from the finest option around, but handy amenities include a swimming pool, laundry, dump point, barbecues and a camp kitchen.

Address: 58 Maison Dieu Road, McDougalls Hill, Singleton

4. Singleton Caracourt Caravan Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 25-minute drive.

Clean lawns and a variety of camping sites ensure this Hunter Valley caravan park attracts a regular stream of visitors. The Singleton Caracourt Caravan Park features unpowered and powered sites with some including an ensuite bathroom, plus one and two-bedroom cabins fitted with cooking facilities, TVs and air conditioning. Extras are basic and include one outdoor barbecue, a dump site and a communal outdoor lounge but guest laundry facilities and wi-fi incur additional costs. A good option if the bigger caravan parks are booked up.

Address: 20 Newton Street, Dunolly

5. Wangi Point Holiday Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: Just under one hour’s drive.

A Hunter Valley caravan park with many of the bells and whistles you’re hunting for, Wangi Point Holiday Park is a really slick operation. The only hitch is you’re about a 57-minute drive from the wineries. If you can cope with the extra travel, you’ll be rewarded with a range of villas, cabins, and sizeable powered and unpowered campsites for caravans, trailers, campers and tents.

Set up camp at Wangi Point Holiday Park.

You’re situated right on the shores of Lake Macquarie, so water views are visible from several angles and amenities include a camp kitchen, a kids’ playground, multiple barbecues, a dump point, a nearby boat ramp and free wi-fi.

a couple holding hands on Lake Macquarie

Take in pristine lake views.

Address: 2a Watkins Road, Wangi Wangi

Glamping in the Hunter Valley

6. Cranky Rock Wollombi

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 35-minute drive.

You might’ve bookmarked Cranky Rock Wollombi for its gorgeous cottage accommodation but the charming working farm is also home to family-sized glamping tents and a campground. Sleeping up to four people per tent, the unpowered Hunter Valley glamping site provides two queen beds in each tent as well as linen, toilet paper, hand towels, a septic toilet and gas for shared barbecue facilities.

You’ll also share a kitchen, showers and a fridge with fellow guests. There’s a creek on the property and walking tracks to explore.

Address: 2214 Wollombi Road, Sweetmans Creek

7. Broke Estate

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 16-minute drive from Pokolbin proper but you’re smack bang in the wine country matrix given Broke Estate is a winery itself.

A canvas bell tent and accompanying amenities pod are the newest attractions at Broke Estate, one of the region’s most celebrated wineries. Launched in 2022, this lavish Hunter Valley glamping combines the simplicity of a tent stay with sumptuous creature comforts at your doorstep.

a luxe glamping setup at Broke Estate, Hunter Valley

Relax outside your glamping tent at sundown.

The tent itself features a queen bed, record player and cushy seats while the pod, built on wheels, is where you’ll find your private fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, breakfast bar and daybed. There’s also a gorgeous timber deck with more chairs, an outdoor fireplace, a large umbrella and mountain vistas.

a modern kitchen inside the glamping tent at Broke Estate

The pod at Broke Estate is equipped with modern amenities.

Address: 1260 Broke Road, Broke

8. On Bell Glamping

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 5 to 10-minute drive.

Two eco-friendly tents can be found at On Bell Glamping, a romantic Hunter Valley glamping experience set on a working 100-acre organic farm.

two wine glasses on the table at On Bell Glamping

Immerse yourself in nature during a stay at On Bell Glamping.

Choose from the Speckled Warbler or the Grey-Crowned Babbler tents, named after the endangered birds that reside onsite, both fitted with a king bed, a separate bathroom packed with toiletries, a kitchenette, insect screens and a private deck with a barbecue. You can also order a breakfast package, cheese platters and meat packs sourced direct from the farm itself.

Find the glamping site hidden in the middle of a forest.

Address: 352 Bell Road, Lower Belford

9. Donnybrook Eco Retreat

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 25 to 30-minute drive.

Situated on the banks of the Hunter River, Billabong at Donnybrook Eco Retreat is a remote glamping tent on a 100-acre farm.

Billabong at Donnybrook Eco Retreat by the banks of the Hunter River

Billabong at Donnybrook Eco Retreat is situated on the banks of the Hunter River.

Billabong is fitted with a double bed, ensuite bathroom, fridge, basic utensils and cooking facilities including an electric hotplate, private verandah, outdoor fireplace, electric blankets and heaters in winter and power.

And you’re more than welcome to introduce yourself to the nearby alpacas, pigs, goats, chooks and Casper the pony if you’re up for socialising.

Address: 702 Luskintyre Road, Luskintyre

10. Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent and Redwood Glamping Tent

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: Just over one hour’s drive.

Two spacious glamping options, the Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent and the Redwood Glamping Tent, offer serenity on a remote property in the Dooralong Valley. But you need to be comfortable sharing a bathroom and kitchen with your neighbours.

the Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent in Hunter Valley

Feel the serene vibe at Jilliby Creek Glamping Tent.

In each tent, however, you’ll spy a queen bed, day bed, wood-fired stove, fan, wi-fi and a deck with a hammock and firepit. Towels, linen and toiletries are also provided in both options.

Be greeted by resident kangaroos at Redwood Glamping Tent.

Address: 1577 Dooralong Road, Lemon Tree

11. The Beltree

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 5 to 10-minute drive.

Arguably the most high-end Hunter Valley glamping experience to discover, The Beltree is located right in the thick of wine country and features five state-of-the-art tents. Awarded the Best Wine Country Glamping Experience 2024 in the APAC Insider’s Australian Enterprise Awards, you know you’re in for a treat.

Inside the Beltree glamping tent in the Hunter Valley

Stay in one of the five state-of-the-art tents at The Beltree.

A dream getaway for couples, each tent features its own outdoor hot tub, ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs, private balcony, air conditioning, queen bed, walk-in robe, kitchenette and fire pit.

Soak under the stars of an evening.

The 100-acre property itself is home to award-winning Semillon-producing vines, olive groves, cattle and horses so there’s plenty to gaze at if you can break away from your beloved.

Indulge in S’mores around the campfire at night.

Address: 266 Hermitage Road, Belford

Camping options in the Hunter Valley

12. McNamara Park

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 13-minute drive.

Free camping for up to three days is a bargain you’ll struggle to refuse if you’re dead keen on a DIY tent holiday. McNamara Park in Broke features a flat grassy area and some facilities including flushing toilets, picnic tables and rubbish bins. A playground and barbecue are within walking distance, making the spot very kid-friendly, and there are plenty of shady spots if your Hunter Valley adventure beckons in the sunnier months.

Address: 1273 Milbrodale Road, Broke

13. Wattle Valley Farm

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 35-minute drive.

Don’t mind sharing your digs with the odd echidna, roo or wombat? Wattle Valley Farm is a 100-acre property surrounded by beautiful Wollombi Brook. The Hunter Valley camping spot takes tents and trailers but no caravans due to limited access roads.

the Wattle Valley Farm surrounded by trees

Stay amongst the trees at Wattle Valley Farm.

You’ll find shared toilets and showers onsite, plus there are three self-contained cabins elsewhere on the property with modern furnishings and air conditioning.

Address: 2579 Paynes Crossing Road, Paynes Crossing

14. Gap Creek Campground

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: Just under one hour in the car.

A soothing waterfall and serene walking tracks are on tap at Gap Creek Campground, about a 57-minute drive from Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. Tents, camping beside your vehicle and camper trailers are welcome at this free camping site, however a $6 booking fee will secure your spot.

Go off-grid at Gap Creek Campground.

Facilities include toilets, a car park, picnic tables and barbecues, but it should be noted there’s no phone reception in the area so you’re really going off-grid.

Address: North-eastern section of Watagans National Park, entry via Bangalow Road turnoff just past Bangalow camping area.

15. Cessnock Showground

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 15-minute drive.

Did you know you could set up camp at the home of the annual Cessnock Show? If its central location floats your boat (because it should be noted, the grounds are nothing much to look at), the Cessnock Showground offers powered and unpowered sites for caravans and motorhomes. There’s toilets, barbecues and showers to be found and pets are allowed in case that seals the deal.

Address: 111 Mount View Road, Cessnock

16. Bulga Recreation Ground

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 25-minute drive.

Well-maintained grounds and mountain scenery, plus good proximity to Hunter Valley’s hottest attractions, make Bulga Recreation Ground a decent and free option for caravans, tents and trailers. But you’ll only find toilets onsite here, no showers, so it’s a spot for the truly brave at heart. Barbecue areas are on offer, so that’s a plus, and they allow pets.

Address: 19 The Inlet Road, Bulga

17. Bangalow Campground

Distance from Pokolbin and wineries: A 55-minute drive.

Three individual campsites can be found within Bangalow Campground, which invites tents and camping beside your vehicle. The peaceful bushland features a car park, toilets, picnic tables and barbecues and it’s situated close to Monkey Face lookout which offers stunning views of the region. It’s free to camp but a Watagans National Park booking fee of $6 applies.

Address: North-eastern section of Watagans National Park, entry via Bangalow Road.

For more insider tips and must-do experiences, read our Hunter Valley travel guide.

The Lane Retreat gives guests VIP access to two of the region’s best wineries, an award-winning restaurant, an alfresco pizzeria, and an onsite gourmet pantry for a foodie-fuelled weekend that is low on fuss and big on value.

I’m watching kangaroos graze in the last light of day from the deck of my Lakeview Studio at The Lane Retreat, wine in hand. I arrived a couple of hours earlier with my husband for a two-night stay at the Hunter Valley’s newest winery accommodation.

I’ve been travelling to the Hunter Valley wine region for over 20 years, and I would like to think I’m well-versed in how to do it well, but one thing I’ve found it has often lacked is access to diverse accommodation options. That’s been slowly changing in recent years with the opening of unique affordable glamping sites, luxury stays in renovated vintage train carriages, and the new five-star-plus hotel planned for Ben Ean Estate.

The 60 lakeside studios scattered alongside the historic Palmers Lane vineyard at The Lane Retreat are the newest addition to the region, and I’ve heard nothing but good things since it first welcomed guests at the end of 2023. Now, I finally get to test it out firsthand.

Location

Aerial view of The Lane Retreat in Hunter Valley

The studio retreats are nestled between vineyards and a lake with the Broken Back Range as its backdrop.

Located on one of Bimbadgen’s award-winning vineyards on Palmers Lane in Pokolbin, The Lane Retreat claims the craggy mountain peaks of Broken Back Range as its backdrop, a picture-perfect lake frequented by paddling ducks and elegant black swans, plus kangaroos can easily be spotted bounding through the vineyards and grazing around the retreat. It’s an eight-minute drive to Polkolbin Village and is perfectly positioned for a visit to any of the region’s 90-plus wineries.

Style and character

External view of The Lane Retreat studios

The design of the studio retreats reflects the beauty of the environment from every angle.

The eco-conscious charcoal cabins (they’re fitted with solar panels and run on tank water) are designed to optimise access to the natural beauty of the property through the use of glass in the floor-to-ceiling windows, doors and panels. From the outside, the reflection of the mountains, vineyard and sky gives the illusion that the studios are blending into their surroundings. While inside, we’re treated to unbeatable Hunter Valley views – sunset and sunrise offer primetime entertainment. The 60 studio retreats, owned by the Mulpha Group, were originally built to offer onsite accommodation to complement the Bimbadgen Palmers Lane wedding venue. And if you’re lucky enough to be staying during a wedding, it makes for a lovely vibe on arrival, as the high energy and excitement of wedding guests are palpable.

Facilities and services

A free door-to-door shuttle service is provided to guests.

A complimentary door-to-door shuttle service transports guests between the group’s cellar doors for tastings and dinner reservations. A service we make use of on the first night of our stay for an early evening Signature Tasting at Bimbadgen Estate, followed by dinner at the winery’s pizzeria that connects to the tasting room via the Tuscan courtyard. It was such a treat not to force one of us to be the designated driver or pay extra for a shuttle service. While we also had access to the shuttle between Emma’s Cottage and the accommodation the next day, I decided I’d prefer to drive us, but booked the free service again for dinner that night at Esca back at Bimbadgen Estate.

A gourmet platter with goods from the Pantry at Lane Retreat

Pick up all manner of delicious supplies from the gourmet pantry onsite to enjoy back in your room.

It’s a five-minute stroll to The Pantry for a barista-made espresso coffee in the morning. But it’s also perfect for picking up a bottle of wine, beer, mixers, soft drinks or Night Merchant gin. There’s a range of snacks, including lollies and chips, as well as locally made treats like Cocoa Nibs chocolates and all the provisions needed to make a delicious cheese platter. I enjoyed browsing the homewares and gifts for sale, too.

View of the heated pool at The Lane Retreat

Pack swimmers to enjoy the heated pool all year round.

There is a heated swimming pool (that I wasn’t brave enough to use during my visit) at the heart of the retreat, and the metal water bottles supplied in your room can be refilled here with cold filtered water.

The room

Interior of Studio Retreat at The Lane Retreat in the Hunter Valley

The king-sized AH Beard mattress provides unbeatable comfort.

We stayed at No. 32 in a Lakeview Studio Retreat, and when it comes to standout features, I’m torn between the bathroom and the bed. The double showers with two rain shower heads are an indulgent touch given the size of the studio room, as are the double vanities, heated towel rails and toiletries by Melbourne natural skincare company Hunter Lab. The AH Beard king-sized mattress was extremely comfortable. Rarely do I prefer a hotel bed over my own, but this one delivered.

Bathrooms of studio retreats at The Lane Retreat

Oversized bathrooms are a much-appreciated indulgence.

Soothing greens and terracotta feature heavily throughout the interiors – from the art to soft furnishings and the sofa. There is also a dining table for two and a kitchenette that includes a fridge, microwave, coffee machine and kettle, as well as all the basics: cutlery, mugs, plates, bowls and glassware.

Food and drink

Breakfast provisions at The Lane Retreat

Delicious breakfast provisions are left for guests in the kitchenette.

There is no onsite restaurant, but The Pantry provides the perfect walkable option for snacks, coffee and drinks. Breakfasts are also taken care of with gourmet breakfast hampers included. We had Brookfarm muesli topped with Paris Creek Farms organic blueberry yoghurt, fresh sourdough with jams and butter and cold-pressed juice and milk.

Wood-fired pizzas are pumped out to happy customers in the Tuscan courtyard.

Bimbadgen Estate has two dining options: the award-winning flagship restaurant, Esca, and a pizzeria. The estate is a short drive away (make use of the free shuttle service) and we dined at both during our stay. The pizzas were cooked to doughy perfection and a glass of the 2019 Signature Shiraz paired with it beautifully.

The menu at Esca changes with the seasons. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Esca Bimbadgen delivered one of the best meals I’ve had in the Hunter. The award-winning fine dining restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, and you can choose between the Signature Experience, which includes five courses and a wine pairing option or select from the à la carte menu. We opted for the latter and chose garlic buttered king prawns with romesco and capers; kingfish ceviche topped with sesame dressing, tomato water, strawberries and bonito flakes; and shared rosé panna cotta with candied pastry, rhubarb and macerated strawberries for dessert.

Build your own gourmet platter to enjoy alongside a tasting at Emma’s Cottage. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Emma’s Cottage, Bimbadgen’s other cellar door, serves up a build-your-own grazing platter to dine in or take away. The menu features Binnorie Cheese, salumi tuffle, Hunter Valley Foods quince paste, Pepe Sayo butter, Mount Zero mixed olives, as well as fresh baguettes, crackers, chutneys and more. But I’d recommend staying and enjoying your platter with a tasting of the Alter Wines, Bimbadgen’s alter ego; here, the winemakers get to be a bit more experimental with what they produce, with excellent results.

Does The Lane Retreat have access for guests with disabilities?

Yes. The Studio Retreat – Accessible features a fully accessible room and bathroom.

Is the Lane Retreat family-friendly?

The lakeside views are pretty even in the rain. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Families are welcome to book. The studio retreats are designed to sleep two and are more suited to couples or friends, but each studio is clustered together with three or four others, so you’ll be accommodated well when travelling as a group or for a multi-generational family getaway.

Is the Lane Retreat pet-friendly?

Dogs are welcome at The Lane Retreat for an additional fee per night. There are also terms and conditions to abide by.

Does the Lane Retreat offer wedding accommodation?

Yes. The Lane Retreat can accommodate up to 120 guests across 58 individual retreats. They also offer a Bridal Preparation Suite for the day, and if you host your wedding at Bimbadgen Palmers Lane venue, guests get a discounted rate for their stay.

Details

Friends by the firepit at The Lane Retreat

Take advantage of the winter escape package.

Best for: Romantic winery stays or Hunter Valley wedding accommodation

Address: 409 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW

Getting there: The Lane Retreat is a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney. Newcastle Airport is a 50-minute drive from the Hunter Valley and direct flights are available from Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Price: The Lane Retreat is currently offering The Winter Escape Package, priced from $341 per night when staying a minimum of two nights in a premium studio retreat. The package also includes breakfast provisions for two people, a bottle of Bimbadgen Shiraz, a S’mores Kit to toast by the outdoor fire pit, a wood-fired pizza lunch at Bimbadgen for two and a late checkout until noon. The offer is subject to availability, some blackout dates apply and is valid for stays until August 31, 2025.

Check-in process: You check in online prior to arrival and receive a unique code to access your studio (twin share and fully accessible options are also available).

Discover the best things to do in the Hunter Valley while you’re there.

17 Hunter Valley caravan parks and luxe glamp sites to escape to